Hauer's career truly exploded thanks to his role in 1982's Blade Runner, where he played sympathetic android villain Roy Batty. In particular, Hauer's iconic "Tears in Rain" soliloquy remains one of the most iconic scenes in science fiction. Hauer also gained further popularity in the US thanks to 1985's Ladyhawke, a medieval fantasy movie where Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer play tragic lovers forever separated by a cruel transformation curse.In recent years, Hauer's notable roles include 2005's Batman Begins, where he played opportunistic businessman William Earle, 2005's Sin City, where he played the twisted villain Cardinal Roarke, and the titular character in 2011's Hobo With a Shotgun, a spinoff of 2007's Grindhouse.
Hauer remained active as an actor until the very end. He's currently slated to appear in two posthumous roles, playing an ambassador in Viy 2: Journey to China and the Ghost of Christmas Future in a new BBC/FX miniseries adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Hauer was also active in various charitable efforts. In addition to being an outspoken environmentalist and member of Greenpeace, he spearheaded an AIDS awareness organization called the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association.
Hauer is survived by his wife, Ineke ten Cate, and daughter, actress Aysha Hauer.